System and method for determining wedge tightness

Active Publication Date: 2011-12-08
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Over time and during use of the dynamoelectric machine, stator wedges may become loose.
If a stator wedge becomes loose, it can permit a stator coil to vibrate, which can cause catastrophic failure in an electric generator.
Such inspections present a challenge, because the wedge assembly is difficult to access within a generator.
This method depends on the experience of the technician doing the measurement and is extremely subjective.
This method uses a depth gauge to take measurements through pre-formed test holes, and is time consuming and only possible in generators having stator wedges with pre-formed test holes.

Method used

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  • System and method for determining wedge tightness
  • System and method for determining wedge tightness
  • System and method for determining wedge tightness

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Embodiment Construction

[0018]At least one embodiment of the present invention is described below in reference to its application in connection with the operation of a dynamoelectric machine. Although embodiments of the invention are illustrated relative to a dynamoelectric machine in the form of a generator, it is understood that the teachings are equally applicable to other electric machines including, but not limited to motors. Further, at least one embodiment of the present invention is described below in reference to a nominal size and including a set of nominal dimensions. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention are likewise applicable to any suitable generator and / or engine. Further, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention are likewise applicable to various scales of the nominal size and / or nominal dimensions.

[0019]As indicated above, aspects of the invention provide a system and method f...

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Abstract

A system and method for determining wedge tightness in a dynamoelectric machine is provided. The dynamoelectric machine includes a rotor, stator and a wedge assembly having at least one wedge for retaining a coil. The system includes a force application device for applying a predetermined force or a known quantity of force to a wedge, and the force is applied in a substantially radial direction. A measuring device for measuring movement of the wedge, measures a movement distance relative to a surface of an adjacent core surface. The system can be inserted between the rotor and the stator, and the movement distance is obtained by evaluating a distance to an adjacent core surface and a distance to a surface of the wedge.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates generally to the assessment of the condition of dynamoelectric machines. More particularly, the invention relates to a system and method for measuring or determining the tightness of wedges in dynamoelectric machines, particularly electric generators.[0002]Dynamoelectric machines such as electric generators include a rotor and a stator. Rotors are generally constructed from a steel forging and include a number of slots that run the length of the rotor. Rotors are electrically wound by placing conductors referred to as rotor windings into the slots of the rotor.[0003]Stators are generally constructed from a number of stacked, metal laminations. Stators also include slots, which run the length of the stator. Stators are electrically wound by placing conductors known as stator coils into the armature slots of the stator.[0004]Conventional stator coils are frequently held in place in stator slots using a retention assembly such as a...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): G01L5/00
CPCG01B7/14H02K15/0018H02K15/00H02K3/487
InventorREED, FRANCIS ALEXANDER
OwnerGENERAL ELECTRIC CO